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Writing and Submitting
Original Spec Scripts for Current TV Series
The TV Writers Vault accepts submissions of
original current series spec scripts written for
review by member industry executives scouting
samples of new writing talent. The following is
a detailed overview of TV spec script writing,
providing advice, strategy, and resources for
reference.
Although most Agents and Producers review spec
scripts to determine talent for hire on a separate
project, the WGA (Writers Guild of America) requires
that every season, all episodic series producers
must hire a mandated minimum of freelance writers
each season. Following is taken directly from
the
WGA Hiring Provisions-
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Writers Guild of America
FREELANCE WRITERS HIRING PROVISION
ARTICLE 20.B.3.(e) & (f)
Companies with episodic television
shows and once-per-week serials must hire freelance
writers each season for each series, depending
on their network order.
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Instructions:
Registering your current series spec script for
review is simple. Once you've familiarized yourself
with the information and guidance we provide,
and have completed your sample script for a current
series, visit our
Project Registration Page and select the
"Current Series Spec Script" option
under "Genre" selection. This will open
a smaller window to select from a complete list
of current series titles (ie; The Office,
30 Rock, etc.). Select your series and
enter the episode (Project) title, logline and
synopsis of the script. Executives who are interested
will request the complete script for review.
Advice & Strategy:
One of the critical devices a new writer must
have when entering the television writing world
is a good slate of sample scripts written for
current TV series. Agents need this ammunition
to convince producers of their writer's skills,
and producers need to see that the writer can
execute a story idea within the parameters of
a current show. Writing spec scripts can be fun.
You're familiar with the show's premise and characters,
and that gives you a jump start on capturing the
style and tone of the show.
Write a spec for a current hit show, nothing
dated. Its fine if the show has been on the air
for a number of years, such as "The Office"
or "My Name is Earl", but is still fresh
and running hot. Agents typically require their
clients to have 2 sample spec scripts. Show diversity,
even within a specific genre. Writing a side-splitting
sample episode of "The Office" will
illustrate how you can capture a very specific
style and format, but when you're selling yourself
as a writer you'll want to widen your scope and
deliver broader samples of more dramatic comedy
such as "Ugly Betty" or "Desperate
Housewives".
Format:
Formats are similar to that of a screenplay (action
and character descriptions, and dialogue), but
structure will vary depending on the length of
show and genre. 30 minute series for network are
22-27 pages (allowing for commercial breaks),
while the same length show for cable (uninterrupted)
can be 30-45 pages, depending on the content and
pacing. The same ratio applies for 60 minute episodes.
One-hour Network series are typically 45-50 pages,
and one-hour cable network series (often single
camera productions) can be upwards of 70 pages.
You may also want to purchase the
Final Draft Screen and TV Writing Software
that has a unique "TV Template" feature,
assisting writers with proper template formatting
for up to 50 current TV shows. Variances are minor,
but the guidance is a nice help.
TV Scripts for Reference:
Examples of
Episodic Scripts. (viewable in PDF)
Writers Guild of America:
WGA Articles on Episodic Writing for Television
(viewable in PDF)
Recommended Software & Books for Writing
Your Spec Teleplay:
The Warner Bros. Television Writers Workshop
Guide: In this essential guide, Abby Finer
and Deborah Pearlman of the Warner Bros. Television
Writers Workshop reveal insider tips and tricks
aimed at paving the way to better scripts by new
writers. The book focuses on all aspects of writing
for television, from the definition and importance
of sample material to what it takes to be a successful
TV writer. [Click the image link below to purchase]
Final Draft Screen and Television Writing
Software: The most widely used
software by top professionals writing all formats
of television. Final Draft also has a unique "TV
Template" feature, that assists writers with
the proper template for up to 50 current TV shows.
Invaluable for any writer creating their spec
scripts.[Click the image link below to purchase]
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